Save Article

Tough House: Broadcast Lags Satellite in Radio Race for Laughs

By

Sarah McBride and

Julia Angwin Staff Reporters of The Wall Street Journal

Updated Sept. 24, 2005 12:01 a.m. ET

When XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. launched its service four years ago, it wasn't long before XM Comedy -- featuring raunchy routines from the likes of George Carlin, Vince Morris and Emo Philips -- emerged as one of the most popular channels. XM quickly realized it was filling a void regular broadcast radio wasn't. And the broadcasters have been trying to figure out how to catch up ever since.

But so far the laughs have been few and far between for traditional broadcasters. Unlike satellite operators, they can't air...